Give each region enough time
Three days can introduce one base and its nearby district. Five days allow a focused south or north itinerary. Seven days can connect two regions at a comfortable pace. Ten to fourteen days make a wider circuit possible without turning every day into a transfer.
These are planning ranges, not promises. A walking trip, island visit or west coast route needs different timing from a city and heritage itinerary. Ferry schedules, booked walks and weather-sensitive activities can also determine the order.
Count usable days
Arrival and departure days are often partial days, especially when collecting a vehicle or crossing Bass Strait. Start by marking those, then add realistic travel time and at least one flexible period. If the plan contains several drives followed by only one night in each place, remove a region and stay longer in the others. Use the road-trip collection to turn the available days into a coherent route.